The 48-year-old, from Archer Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was remanded in custody after a five-minute hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in north London.

He is charged with possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid/gas or electrical incapacitating device.

Mr Green is also accused of false imprisonment, making a bomb hoax, causing criminal damage and recklessly endangering life.

Wearing a grey jumper, he only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Tottenham Court Road was closed for hours on Friday after a man stormed into an office allegedly making threats and carrying a weapon.

Negotiators and police arrived, with the suspect eventually emerging stripped to the waist and being led away by officers.

No application for bail was made by Mr Green’s solicitor Ross Dixon, with prosecutor Emily Maunders saying there was a risk he would fail to surrender, commit further offences and interfere with witnesses if released.

Mr Green is next due to appear in court at Blackfriars Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on July 24.